Police Precept

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Precept mean?

The policing precept is a contribution from local residents towards local policing. This is collected with your council tax payment and goes directly to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to allocate to the police force.

2. How were residents consulted on the proposed increase to the precept?

In 2020-2021, Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Barry Coppinger sought the views of Cleveland's taxpayers through an online survey. Information about the consultation and a link to the online survey was shared via the OPCC website, social media, and monthly email newsletter.

An alert was sent to all residents signed up to Cleveland Connected and the consultation was also highlighted on public-facing website and social media channels. A proactive media relations campaign was delivered by the OPCC to ensure that news of the consultation and a link to the survey was communicated to residents. Owing to a delayed budget thanks to the General Election, the period for consultation was condierably shorter than in recent years.

3. What was the response to the public consultation?

In the 2020-21 consultation approximately 370 residents completed the survey, with almost two thirds of respondents saying they would support an increase. A report was submitted to the Cleveland Police & Crime Panel, which can be read below.

4. How much has the Commissioner’s salary increased?

The increase in precept does not result in any increase or bonus to the Commissioner’s salary. Salaries for all Police & Crime Commissioners are set by Government. The current rates were introduced in November 2012 when the first election for Commissioners took place. There has been one 2% pay rise in that time for the PCC in Cleveland. In addition, Mr Coppinger does not claim for any additional expenses or allowances, despite these being permitted in the regulations.

5. How much of the money raised goes towards the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner?

Costs to run the Office of the PCC is £900k for 2020/21, accounting for just 0.6% of the overall policing budget.